Nintendo 2DS? No, It’s Not April Fools

Nintendo announced the 2DS today, a new handheld system aimed at kids ages 7 and under. The 2DS will be launching October 12th which is the same day as Pokemon X/Y for $129.99. The 2DS has a slate-like design rather than the clamshell seen on DS and 3DS models. The system is compatible with NDS games and N3DS games without 3D. It will be offered in two colors matte Red and matte Blue with the face being black. It will be packed with the same offerings as the other 3DS’s, i.e. 4GB SD card, AR cards, etc. The screen size is the same as the regular 3DS. The 2DS model functions the same as the 3DS minus the 3D allowing for kids who are not recommended to use 3D, as they are developing, to play these games safely.

“Imagine a standard 3DS laid all the way flat, and with the depth slider all the way down. We’re always thinking about what we can do that’s new, unique, different, and brings more people into this category that we love, and so with the Nintendo 3DS, we were clear to parents that, ‘hey, we recommend that your children be seven and older to utilize this device.’ So clearly that creates an opportunity for five-year-olds, six-year-olds, that first-time handheld gaming consumer.”-Statement from Reggie Fils-Aime to IGN.

Bizarre, when I saw the pics I first thought that it was some sort of April Fools prank. However it might not be a bad idea, I say that tentatively though as they will have to market this newest device to parents. This could create brand confusion, much as many were confused with the WII U and whether it was a peripheral to the Wii. Plus will people be looking for 2DS games now specific to the system. We will have to see how it does once it hits the market. Till then enjoy this promo video for the Nintendo 2DS.

What do you think of the 2DS? I think its bizarre, but a lower price point and better for the youths might not be bad. The question is how big is that market for those who don’t already own a 3DS? Let me know what you think in the comments.

4 thoughts on “Nintendo 2DS? No, It’s Not April Fools”

It plays all 3DS games, it just does not display them in 3D. Remember the target audience is 5 and 6 year-olds. They are doing a Leap-Pad version of the 3DS that is safe for children. Essentially nearly everyone out there is not the target audience. The target are parents with young children who do not want to subject their kids to the 3D. Though I do not think this will do well, that being said it probably did not cost them much to make it.

Interesting that someone would have made a game solely to work in 3D. I would expect it is an early game seeing as how stats show most don’t even play with the 3D on. Largely though I would expect it’s not a real problem.